Happy 10th anniversary to Rock the Bells, who have announced their initial, rotating 2013 lineup featuring hosts Peter Rosenberg & MURS 3:16, as well as names like Bone Thugs N Harmony, Danny Brown, Black Hippy (who just played NYC), Common, E40 & Too Short, Earl Sweatshirt (ditto), Flatbush Zombies, Juicy J (who played a Fader show on Monday and Irving Plaza last night), Rakim, Wu-Tang Clan (who play Summer Jam soon), Tyler the Creator (who just announced an NYC show as part of Odd Future), Eazy E, Ol Dirty Bastard and more. Confused? Yes, I did just say Eazy E and Ol Dirty Bastard, both of which will be "virtual performances" as part of the travelling festival. AllHipHop reports:

Ol Dirty Bastard and Eazy-E's spirits will return to the stage at Rock The Bells this year, AllHipHop has learned.

The pair of Hip-Hop legends will have holograms performing this year at the 10-year anniversary of the rap festival.

Eazy-E will perform virtually with Bone Thugs-In-Harmony and ODB will rock with Wu Tang. Organizers said Eazy never blessed the Rock The Bells stage and ODB only did once.

Also, the "holograms" are approved by Eazy-E's wife Tomica Wright and Ol Dirty's mother, Cherry Jones.

Tupac's Coachella appearance inspired the new virtual performances at Rock The Bells, organizers admitted.

Initial lineup (at least 15 more artists TBA), dates and some video below.

Continue reading "Rock the Bells 2013 initial lineup (Wu-Tang, Earl Sweatshirt, Juicy J, Tyler the Creator... + hologram ODB & Eazy E)"

A$AP Ferg at Brooklyn Bowlin 2012 (more by Brook Bobbins)

Hot 97 Summer Jam is returning to MetLife Stadium on June 2, and as usual, there will be a show in the parking lot (Festival Village) with smaller rappers. The lineup for the main show hasn't been announced yet (though hopefully it will have a headliner who doesn't cancel day of the show) but the Festival Village lineup has been announced, and it includes Action Bronson, Joey Bada$$, A$AP Ferg, Vinny Cha$e, Smoke DZA, Bodega Bamz, Troy Ave, Kid Ink, and Radamiz. The only way into that show is with a Summer Jam ticket, and those go on sale Friday (4/12) at 10 AM.

Action Bronson (who plays Coachella this weekend) and Joey Bada$$ also play the XXL Freshmen show at Best Buy Theater on May 21 with Schoolboy Q, Trinidad Jame$, Ab-Soul, Logic, Kirko Bangz, Travi$ Scott, Dizzy Wright, and Angel Haze. Tickets for that show are still available.

Joey Bada$$ is currently on tour with Flatbush Zombies and The Underachievers. That tour hits NYC on April 18 at Highline Ballroom and April 20 at Gramercy Theater, and both are sold out. He also plays the Roots Picnic in Philly the day before Summer Jam with Grimes, Solange, Araabmuzik, Hit-Boy, How to Dress Well, and more. Tickets for that are still available.

All Joey Bada$$ and Action Bronson dates are listed, along with some videos, below...

Continue reading "Action Bronson, Joey Bada$$, A$AP Ferg, Bodega Bamz, Troy Ave, Smoke DZA & more playing Summer Jam Festival Village"

photos by Dylan Johnson

NYC rapper A$AP Rocky played his first hometown show since the release of Long.Live.A$AP at Public Assembly last Wednesday (2/20), a far more intimate show than the ones he'll be playing soon when he leaves for his tour with Rihanna. Rocky brought his usual craziness with a packed stage of A$AP Mob members and a packed crowd of fans rapping along. The show was opened by fellow Mob member A$AP Ferg, and other A$APs made appearances throughout the night too.

Bodega Bamz and 4th Pyramid were on the bill too, and as mentioned, you can catch Bodega Bamz and A$AP Twelvy in NYC again when they play Santos (3/6). Tickets for that show are still available. More pictures and a video from the Public Assembly show, below...

Continue reading "A$AP Rocky & friends played Public Assembly (pics, video)"

by Andrew Sacher

A$AP Rocky at FFF Fest 2012 (more by Tim Griffin)

A$AP Rocky is teaming up with fellow A$AP Mob member, A$AP Ferg, in addition to Bodega Bamz, 4th Pyramid, and DJ Getlive! for a Scion A/V-presented NYC show on February 20 at Public Assembly. The only way to get in is to enter Scion's contest via Twitter or Instagram. Instructions on how to do so are below and more info is HERE.

Though entering the contest obviously won't guarantee admission and Rocky plays NYC a lot, the show is pretty exciting in that it's an intimate one for him before heading out on tour with Rihanna, and it's his first NYC show since the release of his new album, Long. Live. A$AP. As someone who's been a pretty big naysayer of A$AP Rocky's previous work (sorry, "Purple Swag"), the new album finally won me over as a fan. He raps more confidently than in the past, the songs are catchier, and production from Hit-Boy, 40, T-Minus, Clams Casino, Danger Mouse... and Skrillex (because, why not?) doesn't hurt. Neither do guests verses from everyone. If you haven't heard it yet, you can stream the album below.

Another A$AP Mob member, A$AP Twelvy is also teaming up with Bodega Bamz for their own show on March 6 at Santos Party House. Tickets for that one are on sale now.

And, as mentioned, A$AP Ferg also plays with Fat Trel on February 12 at SOB's. That show also includes Da$h & Retch and A$ton Matthews. Tickets for that one are still available.

An updated list of dates , that album stream, and contest details for the Scion A/V show below...

Continue reading "A$AP Rocky, A$AP Ferg, & A$AP Twelvy playing shows"

by Andrew Sacher

Flatbush Zombies at Fool's Gold 5th Anniversary (more by Gretchen Robinette)

Brooklyn rap crew Flatbush Zombies recently teamed up with Spanish Harlem rapper Bodega BAMZ for "Thrilla," the first track that BAMZ ever made a video for, which you can watch below. It's a pretty wild clip, directed by Rik Cordero (The Roots, Jay-Z, Nas, Action Bronson, and more), which features people in Scream masks, toilet paper mummies, and a clip from Frankenstein.

The Zombies and BAMZ will likely be joining each other on stage to perform that track when they team up for a NYC on December 20 at SOB's. That show is hosted by Peter Rosenberg and will have Shani Kulture Music by DJ Juanyto. Tickets for that show are on sale now. It's the only announced date for either artist at the moment.

Video is below.

Continue reading "Flatbush Zombies & Bodega Bamz made a video, playing NYC"

by Andrew Sacher

Main Attrakionz at BV-SXSW 2012 (more by Amanda Hatfield)

Earlier this month, we mentioned that iPhone/Android app Mobli was throwing a CMJ party with Heems, Sasha Go Hard, Kitty Pryde, Weekend Money, SAFE, The Underachievers, and Party Supplies. That party was supposed to happen today at Delinquency but that venue has since been shut down so the whole lineup (minus The Underachievers and Party Supplies) is merging with the Young One Records showcase, which happens tonight (10/17) at 285 Kent. That showcase, in addition to including the names mentioned above, will have Main Attrakionz, Kool AD, Deniro Farrar, Supreme Cuts, Cities Aviv, Bryant Dope, Ryan Hemsworth, and CBG. SAFE and Ryan Hemsworth are DJing between sets, the rest of the acts are playing live. The show flier and set times are below.

That 285 Kent show is a pretty stacked bill for hip hop, and if you're into stacked hip hop shows like that one, you'll also probably want to check out the Mass Appeal party at Gramercy on Friday (10/19) with Asher Roth, Prodigy (of Mobb Deep), The Alchemist, Large Professor, Mr. Muthafuckin' exquire, Roc Marciano, Boldy James, Ninja Sonik, Bodega Bamz, Alexander Spit, Angel Haze and Timeless Youth. That one's free with RSVP to RSVP@massappeal.com but entry is based on capacity. The flier for this show is below.

As mentioned, Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire also plays SOB's on Thursday (10/18) and an MTV Studio at Webster Hall the same day. That studio show is with Big K.R.I.T. and LE1F, and when we first mentioned it, a "special guest" was billed who has since been revealed as Killer Mike. Tickets for that one are still available.

That MTV show is an early show (5:30 doors) and after that there's a late show with Chuck Inglish (of The Cool Kids), Ninjasonik, ASAP TyY, Blvckalfred, Vault Boys, MopTop, Chase N Cashe, GDP, Vyle, and Curtains. Tickets for that one are still available.

Cities Aviv, in addition to the Young One show, has other CMJ shows, including the Flowerbooking CMJ showcase at Knitting Factory on Friday (10/19) with Unicorn Kid, Ki:Theory, Devin, Ghost Wave, and Talk Normal (tickets) and the Bond Music Group/PopGun show at Cameo Gallery on Friday (10/19) (late show) with Steven A. Clark, Lushlife, Dark Sister, and Pegasus Warning (tickets).

He also plays the free BrooklynVegan day party at Public Assembly on Saturday (10/20) with The Orwells, Eternal Summers, and the rest of the lineup coming soon!

While we're talking about good hip hop shows during CMJ, don't forget the Converse Rubber Tracks/Fool's Gold 5th anniversary show at Music Hall of WIlliamsburg on Saturday (10/20) with Ghostface Killah, A-Trak, Flosstradamus, Donnis, Nick Catchdubs, World's Fair, Troy Ave, and special guests. That one's totally free, first come, first served.

Showcase flier and set times for the Young One/Mobli show are below.

Continue reading "hip hop CMJ update: Sasha Go Hard show merges w/ Main Attrakionz show; Cities Aviv dates; Killer Mike adds show"

Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire

Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire is set to release the Power & Passion EP on November 6 via his new home at Universal Republic Records. That EP includes lead single, "Telephuck," which features El-P (who eXquire recently toured with) on the beat and Gucci Mane with a guest verse. You can stream that track below. The EP also features production by SpaceGhostPurrp, Harry Fraud, and others.

Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire will be playing some local shows during CMJ including the previously discussed Leaders of the New Cool CMJ party at SOB's on October 18 with Casey Veggies and others (tickets). That same day (10/18), he'll play an MTV-presented show at The Studio at Webster Hall with Big K.R.I.T., LE1F, and special guests. And on October 20, he'll play the Tumblr CMJ showcase at Knitting Factory with Doldrums, Troy Ave, Prince Rama, and The So So Glos. Tickets for the Studio show and the Knitting Factory show are on sale now.

eXquire also plays a free Mass Appeal party at Gramercy Theater on October 19 with The Alchemist, Prodigy, Roc Marciano, Ninjasonik, Bodega Bamz, Angel Haze, and more. You can get in with your CMJ badge or if you don't have one, just RSVP to rsvp@massappeal.com. The flier for this show is below.

As mentioned, Big K.R.I.T. also plays the Cinematic Music Group, Ecko Unltd & XXL Mag showcase at SOB's (10/18), the night of the Studio show, with Joey Bada$$ & Pro Era, Smoke DZA, Fat Trel, and others. K.R.I.T. also produced and is featured on the new Big SANT song, "Say That Shit," which you can stream below.

All lists of dates and song streams are below.

Continue reading "Mr. Muthafuckin' eXquire releasing new EP, playing CMJ shows (1 w/ Big K.R.I.T.) (dates & streams)"

"Its good to see NYC come out every time i perform. That shit is dope." - Action Bronson

Action Bronson and a bag of weed at MHOW in August (more by Ryan Muir)

Remember how we just said that Action Bronson continues to give NYC many chances to see him? Well he's keeping that up. After just playing a show with RL Grime last Friday (9/28), Bronson announced that he'll play a free Scion A/V-presented show in the front room of Public Assembly on October 10 with Jonwayne, Party Supplies, and DJ Getlive. The show is free but RSVP is strictly required. The flier for this show is below. Not very surprisingly, it's also been announced that his Highline Ballroom show (10/30) with Cypress Hill is part of a larger tour the two acts will go on together this fall. All dates are listed below.

Action Bronson associate Meyhem Lauren (who he shared a bill with at MHOW in August) has an upcoming Public Assembly show (10/25) too. His is with Lakutis, Big Baby Ghandi, Spit Gemz, Timeless Truth, Gee Dubs, Eff Yoo, and DJ Uneek. Tickets for that show are on sale now.

Tanya Morgan, who was also on that MHOW show, have a show at Public Assembly (10/23) too, two days before the Meyhem Lauren show. That one's a co-headlining show with rapper/producer Oddisee, who Tanya Morgan has played with before, and who released the album, People Hear What They See over the summer (stream it at SPIN). Support on that show comes from The Doppelgangaz, Mr. Mag, and Gotham Green, along with a DJ set by DJ Tara and it's being hosted by Dee Phunk. Tickets are on sale now. It takes place just after CMJ, which Oddisee is scheduled to play, though no shows have been announced yet as of this post. All Oddisee dates are listed below.

That famed MHOW show was rounded out by Flatbush Zombies, who were joined by A$AP Rocky and in turn joined him at his Roseland Ballroom show last week (9/27). Flatbush Zombies don't have a Public Assembly show coming up, but they do have a Noisey: Acid Alumni CMJ show happening at Santos Party House on October 17 with Children of the Night, Haleek Maul, Bodega Bamz (who also joined Rocky at that Roseland show), and The Underachievers (who will be taking part in Flying Lotus' NYC takeover). That show is free with RSVP. The flier is below.

Roc Marciano - Reloaded

In more related news, Action Bronson/Meyhem Lauren associate Roc Marciano will release his new album, Reloaded, on November 13 via Decon. The album was mostly self-produced, but also includes a few tracks produced by The Alchemist (whose album featured Roc, plus Action Bronson, Meyhem Lauren, and many others), plus tracks produced by Q-Tip, Ray West, The Arch Druids, and guest spots from Ka and Knowledge Pirate. That's the cover art above (via HipHopDX), and you can check out tracklist and stream the tracks "76" and "I Shot The King" (from the deluxe edition) below. He's also in the process of shooting a video for "76."

All lists of dates, song streams and more are below.

Continue reading "Action Bronson, Meyhem Lauren, Tanya Morgan, Oddisee & more upcoming hip hop shows (dates)"

photos by Brook Bobbins

A$AP Rocky & friends @ Roseland Ballroom - 9/27/12

A$AP Rocky brought his "LongLiveA$AP" Tour with Danny Brown and Schoolboy Q to NYC for a show at Roseland Ballroom this past Thursday (9/27). After their opening sets, both Danny Brown and Schoolboy Q joined Rocky during his set, as did Flatbush Zombies, who were joined by Rocky at their recent Music Hall of Williamsburg show, and Bodega BAMZ. Here's what The Source had to say about the show...

Just before the clock struck 8, Danny Brown hit the stage, opening with "Wit It", which seemed to be the perfect song to get the audience properly turnt up. Danny followed with his araabMuzik produced-single "Molly Ringwald", and then went in to "Black Brad Pitt". After turning it down for the fourth song, Danny picked the energy back up again with "My Radio Song", having the crowd help him rap the chorus. Before leaving the stage at 8:30, Danny did a little rendition of ScHoolboy & Ab-Soul's track "Druggys Wit Hoes", then ran through a couple more tracks with the crowd chiming in again, including "Monopoly" and "Blunt After Blunt"...

...ScHoolboy came out at 8:45, setting a mellow mood by performing the first verse of "Sacreligious" and following up with "Oxy Music", two of the slower tracks off his latest release Habits N Contradictions. "All the real ScHoolboy fans make some noise! If you don't know anything, you can bet I got some... what?!" shouted Q, before getting into "Bet I Got Sum Weed", which everyone around me took as an opportunity to spark up...

...Sporting a brown leather sweater and black shorts, Rocky finally hit the stage, performing a new track. "I'm still that pretty motherf***a, you know Harlem's what I'm reppin!" he shouted. A mob hit the stage, everyone shouting "Swag!" again and again. "Jesus walked on water, I'm preaching to the choir," rapped rocky, with a light show behind him crazy enough to cause an epileptic seizure... I know alot of artists over-exaggerate, and say that their concerts were "a movie", but if Rocky and the Mob were to describe their concert like that, it wouldn't be a lie. At one point, there were 17 people on stage, jumping around and rapping. It's unlike anything else.

Continue reading "A$AP Rocky played Roseland Ballroom w/ Schoolboy Q and Danny Brown (joined by Flatbush Zombies) -- pics & videos"

by Andrew Sacher

DOWNLOAD: Gunplay - "Jump Out" (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Kendrick Lamar - "Cartoon & Cereal" (ft. Gunplay) (MP3)

Miami rapper Gunplay, who first caught my ear when he appeared on Kendrick Lamar's "Cartoon & Cereal," will be in NYC TONIGHT (4/18) at Santos Party House with Bodega Bamz, Ratking, Deanie Man (DJ) and King Solomon (DJ). Tickets are available. As Fader points out, the event is "Shortcuts, a rap/dance/whatever party booked by True Panther's Dean Bein, Despot and Himanshu Suri of Das Racist."

Gunplay recently dropped the Bogota Rich: The Prequel mixtape on Maybach Music which you can download for free at DatPiff. Check out the video for mixtape track "Jump Out" with tons of pantomimed gun shots below, and grab an MP3 of the track above.

More videos and streams below...

Continue reading "Gunplay is here (playing Santos) -- MP3, videos, new mixtape"